BELLA MUSING

Prayer is beyond any question the highest activity of the human soul. – Martyn Lloyd-Jones

We live in a fast-paced, disruptive world and this can impede our prayer life. On days where my quiet time with God is rushed or worse omitted, I feel out of sorts and my day runs amok. The onus is on us to slow down, carve out the time and quiet our minds to reverently seek God in prayer.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23

What is prayer? The Hebrew word for prayer is Tefillah, which means “to evaluate.” Prayer entails introspection; the self-evaluation of our thoughts, behaviour and feelings before God. It also includes our praises, thanksgiving, and petitions. Prayer is not and should not be a time to make demands or claims on God, or a time to get God to agree with us. Neither is it a means to show off our spirituality and religious hypocrisy. That is a corrupt perception of prayer. Essentially, prayer is communication with Heaven’s King, a passionate yearning, and longing for our Creator and His will in our lives. Jesus persevered in prayer. He rose early in the morning and withdrew to a quiet place in the evening, to commune with The Father.

“Lord, teach us to pray.” – Luke 11:1

Jesus doesn’t respond with, “Recite these words.” Instead, Jesus replies, “When you pray, say…” and then guides us on how to pray. The Lord’s prayer is a sacred model that helps us to cultivate our fellowship with Him. It begins and ends with the sovereign glory and supremacy of God. It encompasses all our earthly and spiritual needs. It addresses the importance to accept and grant forgiveness. We are also reminded to have faith in God’s will, protection, and power in our lives.

“The kingdom of God is within you.” – Luke 17:20

Let’s pray with intention anywhere, at any time and under any circumstances. God’s ear is ever attentive to His children. He always responds to our prayer with limitless grace, love and mercy according to His will, our best and His glory. The reality of having personal access to God and simply being in His presence is in itself a pure delight.

Prayerfully yours,